UT Rio Grande Valley vs Illinois Prediction 11/24/2025 Today’s College Basketball Picks

The UTRGV Vaqueros and the Illinois Fighting Illini meet Monday in college basketball action from the State Farm Center. We will look at this from a betting perspective and determine the best bets for this game. Here’s a UTRGV Vaqueros vs. Illinois Fighting Illini prediction.

UTRGV Vaqueros Recap

The UTRGV Vaqueros come into this game looking to rebound from a 74-67 loss at the hands of Missouri State last time out to sit at 2-3 this season.

Vaqueros Alternate Wins & Losses In 5 Straight

Marvin McGhee III leads UTRGV in scoring with 15 PPG and in rebounding with 6.2 RPG while Koree Cotton has 11.8 PPG with 3.6 RPG and 2.6 APG as the only other double-digit scorer for UTRGV up to this point in the year. Filip Brankovic has 9.4 PPG with 3.4 RPG and Dane Christensen has 7.2 PPG with 4.4 RPG as well this season. As a team, UTRGV is averaging 83.6 PPG on 49.2% shooting from the field, 43.2% from three and 72.5% from the foul line this season. 

Illinois Fighting Illini Recap

The Illinois Fighting Illini will be out to build on their 98-58 win over LIU last time out to sit at 5-1 this season. After this game, Illinois will head out to take on UConn.

Fighting Illini Looking To Build Momentum Ahead Of Marquee Game

Kylan Boswell leads the Illini in scoring and assists with 17.6 PPG and 4.2 APG along with 4.5 RPG while David Mirkovic has 16 PPG with a team-high 11.3 RPG to lead the Illini in rebounding by averaging a double-double per game. Andrej Stojakovic has 17.4 PPG with 3.8 RPG and Keaton Wagler also has 16.2 PPG and 5.5 RPG as well this season. Tomislav Ivisic has 11 PPG with 3.7 RPG and Ben Humrichous has 10 PPG with 5 RPG to cap off the group of double-digit scorers for Illinois up to this point in the year. Zvonimir Ivisic also has 7.5 PPG and 5.5 RPG as well this season. As a team, Illinois is averaging 95.8 PPG on 50.2% shooting from the field, 35.4% from three and 75.4% from the foul line this season.

Texas-Rio Grande Valley Vaqueros @ Illinois Fighting Illini Betting Trends: November 24, 2025

Why the Illinois Fighting Illini will win

• Illinois has won each of its last 12 night games against non-Conference opponents at State Farm Center.
• Texas–Rio Grande Valley has lost eight of its last nine road games.
• Illinois has won the first half in each of its last 11 night games against non-Conference opponents at State Farm Center.

Why the Texas-Rio Grande Valley Vaqueros will win

• Texas–Rio Grande Valley has won four of its last five games following a road loss.
• Texas–Rio Grande Valley has won the first half in seven of its last nine games against non-Conference opponents.

Total Points Facts

• Fifteen of Texas–Rio Grande Valley’s last 16 night games have produced a total of 167 or fewer points.
• Nine of Illinois’ last 11 games against non-AP-ranked opponents at State Farm Center have produced a total of 166 or fewer points.

Matchup/League Facts

• Illinois ranks 2nd among Division 1 teams for rebound percentage this season (62.1%).
• Illinois ranks 5th among Division 1 teams for opponent free throw attempts per game this season (11.5).
• Texas–Rio Grande Valley ranks 11th among Division 1 teams for three-point percentage this season (43.2%).
• Texas–Rio Grande Valley ranks T21st among Division 1 teams for opponent steals per game this season (4.4).

UTRGV Vaqueros vs. Illinois Fighting Illini Prediction

I’m on Illinois here. I do have my concerns about a look-ahead spot for Illinois in this game with UConn on deck, but the thing is look-ahead or not, Illinois has done a good job under Brad Underwood of smashing these inferior teams that come into Champaign. The Vaqueros hung around with Baylor earlier in the year, but I think Illinois is too much here as they roll once again. Give me the Illini.

Chris Ruffolo's Pick: Illinois -33.5